A patient’s story
David, a 51 year old professional, developed repeated central chest discomfort after meals. Heart tests were normal, yet symptoms persisted.
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A gastroenterology review identified acid reflux and oesophageal sensitivity as the cause, not his heart.
Can chest pain come from the digestive system?
Yes. Non-cardiac chest pain refers to chest pain not caused by the heart. Digestive conditions often irritate the oesophagus, which shares nerve pathways with the chest.
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As a result, pain can feel alarming and intense.
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However, cardiac causes must always be excluded first.
When is chest pain an emergency?
Seek urgent medical help if you have:
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back
Pain that does not ease within minutes
Call 999 immediately if these occur.
Signs chest pain may be digestive
Digestive chest pain often:
Occurs after eating
Worsens during meals
Appears with gut symptoms
Associated symptoms include heartburn, belching, bloating, nausea, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulty.
Common digestive causes
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Acid reflux and indigestion
Functional dyspepsia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Oesophageal spasm or achalasia
Hiatal hernia
Gallbladder disease
Peptic ulcers
How we investigate chest pain
After cardiac causes are ruled out, tests may include:
Gastroscopy
Barium swallow
pH monitoring
Oesophageal manometry
Laryngoscopy, when throat symptoms exist
Treatment approach
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Diet and lifestyle changes
Acid suppression
Motility or neuromodulator therapy
Targeted procedures, when appropriate
Chest Pain With Normal Heart Tests?
Ongoing chest discomfort may come from your digestive system.
Our gastroenterologists provide rapid assessment and targeted treatment.